Taxonomy

Phylum:

Arthropoda

Subphylum:

Crustacea

Class:

Malacostraca

Subclass:

Hoplocarida

Order:

Stomatopoda

Family:

Squillidae

Genus:

Distosquilla

Species:

miles

General Description

Carapace without anterolateral spines. Dorsal surface of telson with numerous longitudinal carinae either side of the median carina. Posterolateral margin of carapace entire, not deeply excavate. Sixth segment (propodus) of raptorial claw pectinate, without row of erect spines, without distal tooth; last segment (dactylus) of raptorial claw with 4 teeth. Thoracic somites 5-6 with single lateral process. Up to 15 cm long.

Biology

Mantis shrimps are active, aggressive, burrowing elongate crustaceans with a pair of well armed front legs, independently mobile eyes and a spiky tail plate. The common name stomatopod is sometimes used, after the Order Stomatopoda to which they belong. They live in burrows or under stones and are aggressive predators.

Habitat

Usually from the shore or shallow subtidal, often in association with algae, seagrass and detritus, to 1040 m.